New Orleans Pelicans: 2 Blockbuster Trades to Get Ben Simmons

New Orleans Pelicans: A Blockbuster Trade to Get Ben Simmons

The Pelican Platter

In this particular trade, the Pelicans are not sending back one of their stars, but a platter of players who give Philly a more dynamic offense and more shooting, while giving the Pelicans three of the best under-25 players in the NBA.

It should be noted that Simmons cannot be traded until his extension kicks in, which will be approximately $29 million in year one.

Why the Sixers would do it

The Sixers would get a more dynamic offense, better shooting and floor spacing for Joel Embiid.

They get a young, ascending point guard in Lonzo Ball to replace Simmons, and get to audition him for a year before deciding to re-sign him. Even if Lonzo plays well, his contract will be far less than Simmons, so the Sixers walk away with more cap space either way.

They also get shooting in Redick and Melli and move up in the 2020 draft. It’s possible the Pelicans would have to throw in their 2022 first rounder and maybe another to sweeten the pot, but Philly would have to at least think this one over.

Why the Pelicans would do it

Easy, they get one of the best under-25 players in the game, improve their defense and get more size. Simmons has a monster extension, so they would essentially be making Simmons, Ingram and Zion their core moving forward, but that core probably has a higher ceiling than the one with Lonzo.

Simmons leads the NBA in steals, will probably make first team All-Defense and would make the Pelicans a much more versatile defensive team. The Pelicans would still have plenty of offense, but now have some size to deal with all of the giant wings in the West.